Willow Springs Lake

Willow Springs Lake sits atop the Mogollon Rim at 7,500 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, about 30 miles east of Payson off Highway 260. Created in 1967 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, it covers 158 acres with an average depth of 60 feet — making it one of the deeper and colder Rim Lakes. The lake has no permanent inflow and stays full from snowmelt each year, which keeps the water cool and clear well into summer.

The lake runs cold year-round, which is exactly what makes it such a productive fishery. Rainbow trout and tiger trout are stocked regularly from April through September, and the lake also holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, green sunfish, black crappie and an abundance of crayfish. Trophy size catches have been reported here. Ice fishing is popular in winter months when the lake freezes over — check ice conditions carefully before venturing out.

Boating is permitted with motors up to 10 horsepower, and a paved boat ramp is available on the west side of the lake. No boat rentals are available at the lake, so bring your own kayak, canoe or small motorized vessel. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular ways to explore the two arms of the lake, and the shoreline scenery — ponderosa pine, oak and Douglas fir running right to the water's edge — is some of the most beautiful on the entire Rim.

The sweeping view across Willow Springs Lake is something that stops visitors in their tracks. We captured it on video and it still doesn't do it full justice. See the reel on our YouTube channel.

Sinkhole Campground is the closest campground, within easy walking distance of the lake, and is open year-round. For those wanting more amenities, Canyon Point Campground sits 3 miles east on Highway 260 with 100 sites, potable water, showers, a dump station and some electric hookups — one of the more developed campgrounds in the Apache-Sitgreaves. The General Crook National Recreation Trail passes within a mile of the campground and is worth exploring on foot or by mountain bike.

The lake is accessible via paved Forest Road 149 from April through November. From December through March the roads may be impassable and the lake freezes. A second access point via a dirt road to Sardine Point is available between the two arms of the lake for those looking for a quieter approach.